smoked turkey breast Archives

I set out to prove to myself just how easy it can be to smoke a turkey for Thanksgiving. That meant no brining, no basting, no rubs, no oils, no injecting. Nothing. Just an easy smoked turkey breast.

I used a turkey breast that was already in a basting solution to speed things along and keep the ‘easy’ theme. Turkeys that are already pre-brined (or ‘pumped’) are common and they do save you a lot of time and hassle.

Smoked Happiness

I was very, very happy with this easy smoked turkey breast. It was completely fuss-free. The skin was nice and crunchy. The meat was tender and moist. I used plenty of wood to get plenty of smoky flavor. I think that made up for the spices or basting sauce I would normally add. If you’re making a turkey for a crowd this is the way to go. You’ll have plenty of free time for other things.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this turkey.

Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

I served the turkey with my smoked turkey gravy, made using broth from turkey wings that I smoked on a few days before smoking this easy turkey breast.

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Smoked Turkey Breast

This recipe uses a ‘pumped’ turkey breast, or one that has already been brined. The package will state ‘contains up to 8% of a solution of water, salt, spices to enhance tenderness and juiciness’. Normally I would use a natural turkey that does not contain such a solution, but the goal was to make as easy a turkey breast as possible.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Keyword smoked, turkey

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3

Servings turkey breast

Calories 2796kcal

Author Mike

Ingredients

5-8 pound Butterball turkey breast frozen bone-in, thawed per package instructions

Instructions

Fire up your smoker for cooking at 325 F. If you’re using a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker (or any smoker that uses a water pan), line the water pan with foil and do not add water.
Use a fruit wood or lighter wood such as hickory.
Place the turkey breast meat side up in the center of the smoker.
Smoke until the meat reaches 165 F as measured in several locations.
Remove and let rest 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not cover the turkey breast with foil as it rests as this will cause the skin to get soggy.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate.

GreenSpark Firestarters 70 Pcs Natural Fire Starter for Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, BBQ, Wooden & Pellet Stove, Fire Pit, Long Burn, Waterproof, All Weather Fire Starters Safe for Indoor/Outdoor Use

GEEKHOM BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, Kitchen Silicone Oven Mitts, Long Waterproof Non-Slip Pot Holder for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking (Black)

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Smoking a turkey breast isn’t like smoking ribs or pulled pork, which I usually cook at temperatures around 225 F. For a turkey skin to get good and crisp you need a higher temperature. I smoked this turkey breast at 350 F. I also basted it with a wonderful maple butter sauce at the end. This smoked bone-in maple turkey breast was fantastic. It’s easier than it might seem and incredibly tasty and moist. The breast meat is amazing.

To Brine Or Not To Brine

If you are using a natural turkey breast you will want to brine it before cooking it. If you are using a self-basting breast (like I did), no brining is required. Most frozen breasts are already brined, so read the package first. Either way you’ll enjoy this great smoked bone-in maple turkey breast for dinner. Or lunch.

I smoked this turkey using my Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker but I did not put any water in the water pan so I could reach 350 F.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this turkey.

Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

Also try my smoked boneless turkey breast.

Print Pin

5 from 1 vote

Smoked Bone-In Maple Turkey Breast

If you are using a natural turkey breast you will want to brine it before cooking it. If you are using a self-basting breast (like I did), no brining is required. Either way you’ll enjoy this great smoked bone-in maple turkey breast for dinner.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Keyword breast, smoked, turkey

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 10

Servings

Calories 176kcal

Author MIke